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A Chinese Language scientist who claims to have created the world’s first genetically edited young children has defended his work.
Speaking at a genome summit in Hong Kong, He Jiankui, an associate professor at a Shenzhen university, said he used to be “proud” of his work.
He stated “another potential being pregnant” of a gene-edited embryo was in its early stages.
His claims, which have caused standard outrage, have yet to be independently validated.
It used to be first announced in advance this week that Prof He had altered the DNA of embryos – twin women – to prevent them from contracting HIV.
His claims were broadly criticised by way of different scientists, who known as the speculation monstrous. Such paintings is banned in such a lot countries.
On Wednesday Prof He spoke to an target market for the first time approximately his work for the reason that uproar.
He stated 8 couples – produced from HIV-sure fathers and HIV-negative mothers – had signed up voluntarily for the test; one couple later dropped out.
He added that he had initially funded the test by way of himself.
